Job Search Tip of the Week #51 (2017)
Caressa Moy | December 18, 2017 | 9:00 am
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“We have tons of qualified candidates for a key open position, but I’m looking for more than qualifications,” wrote Basecamp co-founder and CEO Jason Fried in an article for Inc. magazine. “When I see it in someone, the person shoots to the top of the candidate list. And when I don’t see it, off the list the person goes.”
What is “it,” you ask? Effort.
Effort means different things to different people, but compare someone “sending in a standard résumé and cover letter or, worse, just a link to LinkedIn…with the candidate who sent a link to a custom-designed website that’s all about getting this particular job,” proposed Fried. If you were in a position to hire, who would you employ?
10 Ways to Stand Out in a Sea of Résumés
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Hiring based on effort is rooted in the belief that past or current behavior can be used to forecast that of the future – basically, employers see what you’re willing to do to get the job as indicative of how hard you’ll work on the job. Now understandably, not everyone has the time or resources (especially if they’re currently employed and conducting a stealth search) to whip up a custom site from scratch. Fortunately, there are many other things you can do to show you’re passionate and hungry for the opportunity (see sidebar). Start small, and then go big!
Whatever you decide to do: “Never underestimate the power of extra effort,” Fried concluded. “It’s not taught in school. It’s not mentioned on résumés. But it’s the one thing a candidate can offer to really stand out – and a powerful thing employers can look for to identify a great hire.”
Sound Off: What’s the furthest you’ve gone – or seen someone go – to stand out?
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Image Credit: Angie Thomason